Investments (Details 4) (Ameriprise Financial, USD $) In Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010
Net Unrealized Securities Gains (Losses)
Accumulated other comprehensive income unrealized securities gains on Available-for-Sale securities
Balance, at the beginning of the period	$ 946	$ 474
Net unrealized securities gains arising during the period	192	898
Reclassification of gains included in net income	(5)	(8)
Impact of DAC, DSIC, benefit reserves and reinsurance recoverables	(71)	(305)
Balance, at the end of the period	1,062	1,059
Noncredit related impairments on securities and net unrealized securities losses on previously impaired securities, included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income		(82)
Deferred Income Tax
Accumulated other comprehensive income unrealized securities gains on Available-for-Sale securities
Balance, at the beginning of the period	(331)	(164)
Net unrealized securities gains arising during the period	(66)	(315)
Reclassification of gains included in net income	2	3
Impact of DAC, DSIC, benefit reserves and reinsurance recoverables	25	107
Balance, at the end of the period	(370)	(369)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Related to Net Unrealized Securities Gains (Losses)
Accumulated other comprehensive income unrealized securities gains on Available-for-Sale securities
Balance, at the beginning of the period	615	310
Net unrealized securities gains arising during the period	126	583
Reclassification of gains included in net income	(3)	(5)
Impact of DAC, DSIC, benefit reserves and reinsurance recoverables	(46)	(198)
Balance, at the end of the period	692	690
Noncredit related impairments on securities and net unrealized securities losses on previously impaired securities, included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	$ (62)